Gicquel reaches second Lyon final in succession

Published: Saturday, October 27, 2007, 22:33 [IST]

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LYON, France, Oct 27 (Reuters) Frenchman Marc Gicquel saved two matchpoints to reach the Lyon tournament final for the second year in succession when he beat Colombian qualifier Alejandro Falla 4-6 6-2 7-6 today.

Gicquel, bidding for his first ATP title, will take on either Sebastien Grosjean or Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in tomorrow's all-French final.

''I am delighted. I always play spectacular matches here,'' said Gicquel, who last year lost to compatriot Richard Gasquet.

''Having another all-French final is great for this tournament.'' Gicquel got off to a sluggish start, dropping his serve in the seventh game to let Falla, the world number 128, clinch the opening set.

However, the 30-year-old Frenchman broke twice in the second to level the tie and both players held serve in the decider.

Gicquel saved a first matchpoint with a stunning cross-court passing shot and got back into the match when Falla, who knocked out fifth-seeded Ivan Ljubicic on Friday, netted an easy forehand.

The Frenchman eventually clinched the tiebreak 9-7 to win the match after two hours and four minutes.